The Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) organized a sign-waving event at the State Capitol in Honolulu to mark Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The initiative aimed to increase public awareness and visibility of human trafficking issues within Hawaiʻi.
Participants, including Governor Josh Green, state and county officials, law enforcement representatives, and community advocacy groups, gathered along Beretania Street during the morning commute. They displayed signs and engaged with passersby about the different forms of human trafficking such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and other types of coercion.
Governor Josh Green stated: “Events like this help bring human trafficking out of the shadows. Ending human trafficking requires awareness, vigilance and action from all of us. When community members know what to look for and speak up, they become an essential part of protecting our neighbors and strengthening our safety net.”
Attorney General Lopez added: “Human trafficking remains a serious crime in Hawaiʻi, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Raising awareness is a critical step in prevention and today’s sign-waving event sends a clear message that Hawaiʻi is committed to protecting and supporting victims of all forms of trafficking.“
The Department urged residents to learn how to recognize signs of human trafficking and report any suspected cases. People can contact local law enforcement or reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting “BeFree” to 233733. Reports can also be submitted online through SIPD’s website at https://ag.hawaii.gov/sipd/tips/.
